Autumn is not all about the tidy up in preparation for winter. There is lots to do!! In the south sow sweet peas for a spring flowering and a bit later in the milder climates further north.
Autumn is a time to take semi-hardwood cuttings - roses and perenials such as penstemons. Also time to give the penstemons a light trim before winter in the south (save the hard cut down until they start to make growth in the spring). Taking cuttings is a great way to save money and gives great satisfaction. The famous Vita Sackville-West planted her white garden mainly from her own cuttings and propogation .
Autumn is also bulb buying time. The bulb catalogues are appearing in our mailboxes and narcissi, hyacinths, snow drops and tulips fill the pages. You could try something different - Gloriosa superba grows in the warmer climates, nomocharis aperta (Liliaceae) is an alpine plant for colder climates, foxtail lily (eremurus) loves dry climates, and there are also Lilium martagon (Turkscap lily), alliums, or the wonderful fritillaries.
Sedums provide great autumn colour (not to mention late food for the bees) and of course there are many trees and shrubs. Remember to take your pen and pad out during the season and make a list of where colour is needed or what can be improved in your garden.
Happy gardening
Practical Gardening Cage gardening
Pests in the vege garden have made one gardener re think. A large 'cage' has been built to keep out the rabbits and possums. Other side benefits were found - the weather effects were modified, fewer white butterflies and the cat didn't dig up the seedlings!
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Xanthe White's Award Winning Ellerslie Garden
Ellerslie rose from the rubble of the earthquake to an enthusiatic gardening public where it was all about "flowers, colour and design". With almost 90 horticultural exhibits there was plenty to see.
Design elements included demolition materials, recycling and the whimsical. There was a strong emphasis on sustainability and naturalistic plantings. There were good take home ideas from the emerging designers.